, England and other European nations could take dramatic action against FIFA’s latest commercial proposal.
FIFA wants to create a new subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise to control its major commercial operations.
The new company would manage broadcasting rights, sponsorship agreements, ticketing and licensing deals. Moreover, FIFA values the proposed business at around $20B.
The governing body plans to sell a minority stake of between 20 and 21 percent to private investors. That process could raise approximately $4.2B while FIFA keeps overall control of the company.
However, the proposal has triggered strong opposition across European football. UEFA believes private investment could damage the governance of the sport.
European officials also fear that external investors could place greater pressure on FIFA to expand competitions and increase the number of matches.
Now, that opposition could lead to a World Cup boycott. According to the Daily Mail, England and other UEFA nations are prepared to boycott the next tournament if FIFA proceeds with the plan.
UEFA has held discussions with several major stakeholders and believes opposition to the plan continues to grow.
Meanwhile, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has asked member associations to decide on the proposal by September 19.
FIFA has also offered each approving association a one-off payment worth $20M. UEFA believes that offer places unfair pressure on smaller football nations to support the project. In a statement, UEFA said:
“Today we have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan.”
UEFA also accused FIFA of using football to benefit private interests instead of protecting associations, clubs, leagues, players and supporters.
However, FIFA insists it would keep majority representation and full control over sporting decisions.
The organisation also says private investors would not control competition rules, tournament formats or football regulations.
Even so, England and UEFA’s other member nations are now preparing a united response as the September deadline approaches.
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